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NTSB Report

March 3, 2017 · Beech G18 S · N103AF

Metlakatla, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Metlakatla, AK
Aircraft
Beech G18 S (1961)
Tail Number
N103AF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC17LA017

The pilot of the twin-engine airplane and the pilot-rated passenger reported that, during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, at 2,000 ft mean sea level, the right engine seized. The pilot attempted to feather the right engine by pulling the propeller control to the feather position; however, the engine did not feather. The airplane would not maintain level flight, so the pilot navigated to a known airport, and the passenger made emergency communications with air traffic control. The pilot was unable to maintain visual reference with the ground until the airplane descended through about 100 to 200 ft and the visibility was 1 statute mile. The pilot stated that he was forced to ditch the airplane in the water about 5 miles short of the airport. The pilot and passenger egressed the airplane and swam ashore before it sank in about 89 ft of water. Both the pilot and passenger reported that there was postimpact fire on the surface of the water. The airplane was not recovered, which precluded a postaccident examination. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

An engine power loss for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.

Full Narrative

***This report was modified on 6/2/2020. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** The pilot of the twin engine airplane and the pilot rated passenger reported that during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, at 2,000 ft mean sea level, the right engine seized. The pilot attempted to feather the right engine by pulling the propeller control to the feather position; however, the engine did not feather. The airplane would not maintain level flight, so the pilot navigated over the water toward a known airport in front of the airplane and the passenger made emergency communications with air traffic control. The pilot was unable to maintain visual reference with the ground until the airplane descended through about 100 to 200 ft and the visibility was 1 statute mile. The pilot stated that he was forced to ditch the airplane in the water about 5 miles short of the airport and that the nose of the airplane separated from the fuselage during impact. The pilot and the passenger egressed the airplane and swam ashore before it sank in about 89 ft of water. Both the pilot and passenger reported that there was post impact fire on the surface of the water. The airplane was not recovered which precluded a postaccident examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech G18 S
Tail NumberN103AF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt And Whitney · R-985-AN-14B · Reciprocating · 450 | Pratt And Whitney · R-985-AN-14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 23 · Minor
Crew 3Age 23 · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 14 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.45 inHg
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data